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Easy Spicy Pickled Jalapeños in Brine Recipe

spicy pickled jalapeños in brine - featured image

A simple and quick recipe for pickling jalapeños in a balanced brine that preserves heat, crunch, and adds a tangy kick. Perfect for snacks and enhancing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1012 medium fresh jalapeños, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
  • 2 cups distilled white vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons pickling or kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 34 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

Instructions

  1. Rinse jalapeños under cold water and dry thoroughly. Slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Remove seeds and membranes if a milder heat is desired.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, oregano, and optional mustard seeds. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Pack sliced jalapeños tightly into a sterilized quart-size glass jar, layering with garlic and spices from the brine.
  4. Pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a utensil to press down gently to release air bubbles. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace and seal the jar.
  5. Let the jar cool to room temperature (30-40 minutes), then refrigerate. Jalapeños are ready to eat after 24 hours but taste best after 3 days. Store refrigerated up to 4 weeks.

Notes

Do not skip cooling the jar before refrigerating to avoid jar cracks or off flavors. Use a clean weight or cabbage leaf if brine does not fully cover peppers. For less heat, remove seeds and membranes. Flavor improves after a few days. Refrigerated quick pickles keep crunch better than canned.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled jalapeños, spicy pickles, jalapeño brine, homemade pickles, quick pickled jalapeños, easy pickling recipe, spicy snacks